Hindu rights group sees itself as the new MIC

Ferdtan: Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy, if you are disappointed with the Pakatan Rakyat's recently-launched manifesto, why not strike a deal with BN?

Why are you still repeatedly attacking and dismissing whatever Pakatan is trying to come up? Until today, we have not heard of Waythamoorthy's comments on BN's initiatives (if any)?

Why is he angrier with Pakatan than BN? It is becoming clearer now as time passes, Hindraf is seen to be acting as a spoiler in Pakatan's attempt to capture Putrajaya.

Once they declare their support for BN, they would be effectively neutralised and will be of no use to BN; so they make themselves appear to be neutral.

See where ex-PAS exco Hasan Ali and ex-PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa are today when they have been exposed? They become persona non grata.

It is not about fighting for Indian rights, it is about power for the Hindraf leaders. Human Rights Party de facto leader P Uthayakumar has already made the announcement (see their blog) that he would be the first Hindraf candidate to stand for election in the parliament seat of Kota Raja (won by PAS) and the state seat of Sri Andalas (won by PKR).

So tell us honestly, Waythamoorthy, which seat or seats will you be standing in the coming election?

Unspin: Hindraf should take a step back and reflect on what it is like to be in Pakatan's shoes. If Pakatan was to have a manifesto that is race-based, it will be no different from the current regime.

The reason why many right-thinking Malaysians are rooting for Pakatan is because it is high time we shift the paradigm to a need-based system vis-à-vis a race-based system.

On another note, the main reason why Hindraf was a major force to be reckoned with in 2008 was because it believes in a great cause. The last few weeks have shown that Hindraf has lost that focus and it is behaving more like an opposition party to Pakatan.

We have to remember that the reason why BN is "behaving" itself and giving out taxpayers' money (which benefits many Indians and other Malaysians) is because of the strong opposition from Pakatan.

For the sake of our future generations, we need to continue that momentum to create a two-party system.

When you said, "They have been using this too often as a cover to ignore the problems of the Indian poor and marginalised", please clarify "they" as Pakatan has not been in federal government yet.

Either you are still trapped in a racial time warp or that BN's carrot is too juicy for you to resist. You are beginning to sound like you're waiting for your rewards, ignoring those marginalised Indians whom you originally fought for. I hope I am wrong.

Not Convinced: It's clear Hindraf wants to the new MIC. After all, Waythamoorthy has openly said they want to contest in all MIC seats. So naturally, they should join BN after MIC is decimated.

Anticommunalist: Pakatan's election manifesto has exposed Pakatan's true colours. It views the Indians the same that Umno does.

Anwar was part of the Umno administration for 14 long years. What more can you expect from him?

Let Pakatan drown in its so-called 'multiracialism' and after they have emerged from their defeat, perhaps then Hindraf can have more progress in talks with the leftover of Pakatan in the 14th GE.

Thuey: Hindraf is not helping anybody at all with their demands. Hindraf seems more interested to impose their will on others. It does seems that MIC is doing a better job recently for the poorer Indians than Hindraf.

No offence, but I don't see how Hindraf is an NGO fighting for the poorer Indians. Rather I see it as a platform for opportunists to seek power.

Starr: This is perhaps the fine distinction between Pakatan and BN in that Pakatan's manifesto transcends all racial boundaries in its desire to create a more equitable society. Hence, its policies do not mention specific racial groupings.

Its policies target all Malaysians regardless of racial and religious origins. What the Indian community can benefit, others can do likewise without discrimination. What Pakatan is trying to do in the new era is to create a level-playing field for all.

Gone will be the day (if indeed Pakatan is elected) where government policy is specifically designed to benefit a particular racial group. Pakatan can't be seen to favour a particular race if it is to champion for all, irrespective of race and religion.

Is that not the majority of Malaysians is asking for, a level-playing field? It helps if Hindraf can draw a fine distinction between Pakatan and BN.

Jiminy Qrikert: The Indian community believes only Hindraf is true in its quest to save them, and only them, from the curse of marginalisation.

So, if Pakatan has already issued its manifesto that is need-based, race-blind and rakyat-centric and shutting out Hindraf, then Hindraf must take their blueprint to PM Najib Razak to hammer out a deal that accepts all of Hindraf's demands.

By the way, BN is not 'underdog' as think-tank Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) has issued a three-scenario prediction- all showing a BN win based on a strong swing back of Malays and Indians to BN.

So, Hindraf must now go and engage with BN. If Waythamoorthy has already done so, he should reassure all Indians that they are kingmakers, and will help make BN the eventual winner in GE13. - Malaysiakini